Couple Will Ask Casselberry To Allow Them To Keep 4th Dog

January 19, 1986|By Sara Roen of The Sentinel Staff

CASSELBERRY — A Casselberry couple may have to get rid of one of their four dogs if city council members rule Monday in favor of a recommendation from the city's animal control officer to allow a maximum of three canines.

Rickie and Joy Pratt, of 605 Benedict Way, requested in December that the city allow them to keep a fourth dog. Although they have promised to care for the animals properly and to keep them secured at all times, animal control officer Vicky Ann Shook has recommeded denial because of residents' objections and concerns.

The Pratts have one mixed-breed dog and three pit bull terriers, according to animal control officials. City ordinance allows a maximum of three dogs, unless the city grants special permission for more.

The Pratts could not be reached for comment Friday.

Margaret Martin, whose home at 604 Wilshire Drive abuts the Pratts' backyard, said the couple's yard is not big enough for four large dogs and she and her husband, Norman, have had to fight an ongoing odor problem from the animals.

The dogs have urinated on the privacy fence her husband installed last year and efforts to get rid of the smell have failed, she said. Martin added that she has seen some of the dogs mating and fears one will have puppies.

Animal control officers contacted four other neighbors, one of whom said he did not object if the Pratts build a privacy fence or keep the dogs inside their house when children are outside because the animals appear aggressive. Another neighbor also had no objections if the odor is controlled.

Martin, who has lived on Wilshire Drive for about 10 years, said she has discussed the problem with the Pratts, but she still objects to the number of animals.

''I don't want to make waves unnecessarily, but I want to keep up my property.''

The city council meets at 7:30 p.m. at city hall, 95 Lake Triplet Drive.